AI Explaned

 AI for View Askewites

Editorial notice:

First an apology. A few folks did not care for my rather polemic post about our current political/government "situation." I'd like to think it's not because they disagree with what I said but simply don't want to hear about it. Whatever. It occurred to me, though, that even I can't face reading anything about this mess in the paper so a light bulb comes on! 

I promise I will not knowingly share any of my own apparently frightening political views with you; I will do my very best to keep them to myself. That doesn't mean that any of us can ignore what's going on or normalize it but you're a smart person and can figure out what, if anything, you need to do given your own situation. (But if you want some suggestions just ask.)

Enough said.

Albert AI at your service

Okay, I have to admit I was going to explain how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin work but I changed my mind. Even if I could understand it - a task for which I have neither the brainpower nor patience - it turns out it would be easier to explain Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity or American politics. So I chose something simple - AI. 

Pretty much every day there are articles and conversations about Artificial Intelligence (AI) everywhere. Since this is apparently the greatest thing since the Air Fryer, I thought I would try to figure out what the big deal is. Disclosure: I have used it sparingly in a few posts - it's easy to use - but never really thought much about it. 

So I say to myself, “Say DL, I'll bet people would be really interested in such a popular thing. Even better, why don’t you use AI to explain AI?” Excellent idea, thanks!  So, allow me to let it speak for itself. (Info provided by ChatGPT)

At its core, AI operates by processing large amounts of data through algorithms—sets of rules that guide decision-making processes. By analyzing this data, AI systems can identify patterns and make predictions or decisions based on the information they’ve processed.

Did you get that? It’s sort of like a souped way our very own brain works. When our ancestors were chased by a saber tooth tiger they quickly identified not to be chased by one shortly after they watched their buddy Uug get caught and eaten. The lesson stuck.

Early AI Trainer

A fundamental aspect of AI is its ability to learn from data, a process known as machine learning. Instead of being explicitly programmed to perform a task, AI systems use algorithms to find patterns in data and improve their performance over time. For example, an AI system can be trained to recognize images of cats by analyzing thousands of labeled cat images, learning the common features that define a cat.

This is kind of like what I did when I worked in healthcare for largest healthcare company in America as a quality improvement geek. I had to look at a lot data to see how a particular process (let's call it claims denials) was supposed to work and then what was causing a particular problem or issue (not enough of them.) Note: Oddly, I found it was often associated with increasing shareholder value.

Another important component is natural language processing (NLP), which allows AI to understand and generate human language. This enables applications like virtual assistants and chatbots to interpret user requests and provide relevant responses.

This is no small deal! Smart people think that humans developed language about a hundred thousand years ago yet we are still apparently having trouble with it - just listen to our new (old?) president talk!

"I really like these conversations about women's rights around the fire, don't you guys ?"

The big question is, what will this mean for jobs?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the job market, presenting both opportunities and challenges across various sectors.

Optimists say that it will create more jobs than it destroys – like every technology advance has in the past.

Applications of AI

AI is integrated into various aspects of daily life, often enhancing efficiency and providing new capabilities. Some common applications include:

·        Virtual Assistants: Tools like Siri or Alexa use AI to understand voice commands and perform tasks such as setting reminders or playing music.

·        Recommendation Systems: Platforms like Netflix or Amazon analyze user preferences using AI to suggest movies or products that align with individual tastes.

·        Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving cars employ AI to process data from sensors and cameras, enabling them to navigate and respond to dynamic environments.

·        Healthcare Diagnostics: AI assists in analyzing medical images and data to help detect diseases and recommend treatment options.

Pessimists are not so sure. Last time a lot of those new jobs ended up being crappier.

Job Creation and Augmentation

While some jobs may be displaced, AI is also expected to create new roles and enhance existing ones. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023 indicates that AI could lead to the emergence of positions like AI and machine learning specialists, data analysts, and digital transformation experts. Additionally, AI can augment human capabilities, allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks. (Great, higher value tasks like more time on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok while at work!)

Economic and Productivity Implications

AI has the potential to significantly boost productivity and contribute to economic growth. Lower-cost AI solutions are making advanced technologies more accessible to businesses of all sizes, potentially enhancing efficiency across various sectors. However, this increased productivity may also lead to concerns about wage suppression and job displacement in certain industries. (You think?!)

Just workin' on my PhD and livin' the dream!

Workforce Adaptation and Skill Development

As AI continues to evolve, there is a growing need for workforce adaptation through reskilling and upskilling. Emphasis on education and training in areas such as data analysis, machine learning, and other tech-related fields can help workers remain competitive. Moreover, developing soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence will be crucial, as these are less susceptible to automation. (As are plumbers, electricians, and hair stylists.)

Not to be a negative nelly but they said the same thing when they out sourced all those factory jobs. The government talked big but didn’t put up the dough for all that “developing soft skills” stuff. And we know how that ended last time up - we got a lot of yard care guys, nail salons, Uber drivers, professional burger flippers. (Not that there's anything wrong with those jobs - except the pay, the hours and the benefits.)

Job Displacement and Transformation

AI's ability to automate tasks poses a risk to certain job categories. A study by Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Osborne estimated that 47% of U.S. jobs are susceptible to computerization. Roles involving routine tasks, such as clerical and secretarial positions, are particularly vulnerable.

Yeah, but it is a LOT harder than you think to make a job transition e.g. a coal miner becoming a web designer or auto worker becoming a personal care attendant - it did create a LOT of pissed off people though!

Conclusion

The impact of AI on jobs is multifaceted, involving both the displacement of certain roles and the creation of new opportunities. Proactive measures, including investment in education and training, will be essential to navigate this transition and harness AI's potential for economic and societal benefit.

In conclusion, with just a “little” help from AI itself I have explained it so that you can either embrace AI or run from it – neither of which will matter because it’s coming rather you like it or not!

"I'm here to fix the gov't for you."

Very sorry, whoever on my staff snuck this in here will be sacked! 

Maybe some appropriate music will make up for this faux pas.

Mr Roboto    Styx

Blinded by Science    Thomas Dolby

Time to get off our . . .

 

Shortly after the election my son told me all of this was going to happen, especially the new assault on the civil service (he works for the VA) but I more or less pooh poohed him; I thought that he was just being an alarmist or paranoid. Sadly, it is now obvious that I was wrong and he was right.

Hopefully you have been paying attention to the news about the recent changes being implemented – or attempts at implementation – by the Trump administration. If not, don’t be intimidated by the flood of orders coming out of the White house, their intent is to overwhelm us, but check out what they are attempting to do for yourself. This may just sound like run of the mill politics but it is not and we must not normalize it. 

Of course many (most?) of us will not be directly harmed by most of these things but that is exactly what thugs and dictators do – attack those with the weakest voice first. Whatever you may think about the desirability or efficacy of these proposed “improvements“ make no mistake, they are dangerous and are directly out of the right-wing Project 2025 that Trump denied any knowledge of. (BTW Trump's new director of the OMB was an author of that document.) And this is just the beginning of trying to remake the government into a Third Reich-type cult of personality. You need look no further than most of the people who Trump has selected to run the most important government departments (plus noted fascist and employment expert, Elon Musk.) Unqualified election-deniers and cultists all - or just plain mentally ill.

I apologize for sounding shrill or panicky. (And I REALLY apologize to my son!) I flew in Southeast Asia where people wanted to kill me but I am actually more afraid now of what could happen to our country in a very short time than I was then. If you think turning over the civil service to incompetent sycophants is bad just imagine doing the same to the finest military in the world.

I think the best way to think about this is in terms of Pascal’s Wager regarding believing in God. In this case if we are right about Trump and his accomplices then we can (hopefully) stop a dangerous threat to the country. If we are wrong then the worst that could happen is . . . nothing.

Sadly, I’m not even sure how best to fight this but we have to start somewhere. It’s pretty wimpy but a call or a letter to our congressional representatives seems like a good place (although certainly won’t be enough.) We need to light a fire under them; no more polite hand wringing and pearl clutching. We need them to take up the same tactics that the Republicans that have brought us this mess have used so brilliantly over the last many years and do some serious crotch kicking (sorry for the metaphor but it seems appropriate under the conditions.).

You are all smart people so I urge you to research and think about this deeply and if you agree even a little please share this with friends and neighbors, even people who you think might disagree. They might just love our country enough to understand that what is going on is really bad for everyone.

It's time to get off our . . .

As an example here’s my letter and contact info:   (Congressional Contact)  Senate Contact

Congresswoman Omar/Sen. Klobuchar/Sen. Smith:

The time for polite discussion and disagreement with this administration is over. This latest assault on the federal civil service in addition to the indiscriminate funding cutoff and attack on  “Trump Enemies” are just the beginning and clearly shows that all our worst fears about this president are coming true - it is time to fight back. I urge you to raise your voice every day and in every way with people on both sides of the aisle. Surely some of your Republican peers can see where this is heading – there are hundreds of thousands of Republican jobs at risk as well as depending on other important programs.

We have all been far too docile and silent for fear of seeming silly or paranoid. Well, it is time for us all to grow a backbone and follow the same rules of engagement that the radical rightwing has in forcing Project 2025 on the country. Time is running out for our democracy and our nation.

Thank you for your consideration,

D Roger Pederson

LtCol USAFR (Retired)

Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.

The Real Dear Leader

Meditations for the New Year

 AI Free

January 2025

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” John Steinbeck

Cold enough for you, John?

Ah, the nadir in our winter of discontent and Dear Leader is . . . bored. Make that cold and bored. We were supposed to be back in FL now but thanks to Hurricane Helene we are receiving winter's gift of sweetness. That said, I apologize in advance for dragging you into my ennui but I will do my best to give you some reason to keep reading (but no guarantees.) 

So how are you doing with your resolutions - assuming you were foolish enough to make them. Perhaps I can offer something that you can stick with, at least for a while, and hopefully you might even find it interesting if not entertaining. (And also helpful for the next four years.) 

I mean, how often do you get to read about Greek philosophy, Ceasars, golf and self- improvement in a single short post? 

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Ceasar and by most accounts he was both a good Ceasar and a (fairly) good man, neither of which was very common. (As a unhistoric note, he was the Ceasar who was murdered by his son, Commodus, in the original “Gladiator” movie.) The reason I mention him is simply a cheap trick to get your attention with something vaguely interesting.

Okay, so he was also one of the more famous practitioners of the old Greek philosophy of Stoicism. And the reason I bring that up is because it has been around for about 2300 years and is becoming kind of fashionable again. (I took Philosophy 101* in college making me an expert in it - just kidding!)

"Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy that flourished in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. The Stoics believed that the practice of virtue is enough to achieve eudaimonia (a well-lived life.) The Stoics identified the path to achieving it with a life spent practicing the four cardinal virtues in everyday life - prudence, fortitude, temperance and justice - as well as living in accordance with nature." 

(I wonder if mass consumerism could fit in here somewhere.)

Famous Norwegian Stoic

Stoic person: one who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. (Sound like anyone you know? Yeah, me neither.)

In my frequent moments of free time in the intervening 50-plus years I have often bumped into stoicism and I find it fascinating how some old things just keep coming round. That and it is a very pervasive philosophy that has influenced many great thinkers and religions over the years.

Please allow me to inflict my enthusiasm for it on you.

Recently, via one of the many "smart people" I subscribe to, I watched a short video (see below) that was both interesting and informative – not bad for one that is about philosophy, huh? It didn’t advertise itself as Stoicism but, as our old AF survival school teacher said, "If it looks like a banana, smells like a banana and tastes like a banana - it's a freaking banana so eat it!" The title is “How to Grow Deeply Happy” by Jonny Thomson. (I know, who needs to be happy especially now, right?)

Aurelius said, "You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this and you will find strength"

In Dear Leader-speak, “Hey, stop worrying about stuff you can’t control, don't whine and just try to do the right thing at all times; that will be hard enough without a bunch of worrying.” (Well, something like that.) Anyway lots of philosophers and theologians have tried to come up with finding the secret to happiness - and a lot of it ends up be like stoicism.

Man in desperate need of stoic thoughts

The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily

Plato in The Republic

Of all the means which wisdom acquires to ensure happiness throughout the whole of life, by far the most important is friendship.

Epicurus

It is a characteristic of the American culture that, again and again, one is commanded and ordered to 'be happy.' But happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue. One must have a reason to 'be happy'.                  

Viktor Frankl

You have the power to strip away many superfluous troubles located wholly in your judgment, and to possess a large room for yourself embracing in thought the whole cosmos, to consider everlasting time, to think of the rapid change in the parts of each thing, of how short it is from birth until dissolution, and how the void before birth and that after dissolution are equally infinite.

Marcus Aurelius in "Meditations"

Okay, so in the video Jonny boils down all flowery words to three things that he calls “the three pillars of happiness”:

                                                                       (Egregious use of dogs) 

                                                                       

                                 

                Various creatures who clearly have achieved eudaimonia

(Egregious use of buffoons) 

                              

                                

        

First, it's important to understand happiness does NOT equal pleasure (who knew, right?) If happiness was strictly about pleasure, which comes from satisfying desires, then we are going to be unhappy a lot - which we are - because we can’t possibly satisfy all our desires. (I know, it might be fun to try e.g. a golfer, say me, with a desire to hit a 300 yard drive and instead hitting it my usual 180 yards. Very disappointing.) 

Second, Moderation (talk about stoicism!) He mentions the "Golden Mean" an ancient term that equates to the phrase “moderation (or balance) in all things.” It has been around a long time and across many cultures. Jonny mentions Chinese Yin/Yang and the Swedish concept of  “Lagom” which loosely translates into  “just the right amount.” It is a key aspect of Buddhism, "The Middle Way" and is also present in some way in virtually every other religion.

Third, and last, Virtue (the Greeks were very big on this but I’m not sure even they knew exactly how to define or describe it.) Lots of people and lots of cultures have their definition of virtues but our guy says it really boils down to five things to do and their opposite (Vices) to avoid; seek the golden mean:

- Altruism/Egoism
   
- Kindness/Cruelty

- Justice/Injustice

- Wisdom/Ignorance

- Humility/Arrogance

Well that seems pretty difficult, maybe that's why I haven't been a very good stoic. So I guess instead of just whiling away the hours here (complaining about the weather) what I SHOULD be doing is actually examining where I am on the Three Pillars.

Like good old Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

I got your examination right here!

I probably won’t like the results of my examination but it will give me something worthwhile to work on besides my putting and bugging my friends. To paraphrase Bill from "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, when quoting So-Crates, "The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing." Ted (and Dear Leader) responds: "That's me, dude!" 

Anyway, if you already knew all this I hope it wasn't too painful. Meanwhile I'm off to seek eudaimonia. 

I hope you enjoy the rest of this magical (tongue firmly in cheek) season.

PS With #47 now taking over the presidential reins in his tiny little hands this stoic stuff could come in very handy.

YouTube:

How to Grow Deeply Happy  (10 mins)

Article:

Stoicism and Modern Life

* Just another plug for a liberal arts education. I know it is out of favor but somebody has to stand up for those old philosophers.

Happy music . . 

Good Vibrations   Beach Boys

Good to Be Alive   Jason Gray

Happy Together   The Turtles

Saving the Solstice . . .

 

. . . One Last Time

Dateline. Saturday, Dec. 21st, 3:19AM:  

The Most Wonderful Day of the Year!

20^th Annual Winter Solstice Story

For 19 years I have fought back against this long night with stories and strategies of hope - but I recently vowed that I wasn’t going to do this anymore. That I just didn’t have it in me; that I wouldn’t rip my guts out with the huge effort it required. I was just going to silently sneak out, or as Gen. Douglas MacArthur (sort of) said, "old solstice soldiers never die, they just fade away." But alas, I can't just fade away. I can’t let you, my dear friends, neighbors, acquaintances - and even people who intensely dislike me - face these dark winter nights alone. I will summon the strength one last time to confront the daunting task of fighting off the cruel realities of life in these northern latitudes by weaving a final story around the Winter Solstice. (Also, I wanted to end on an even number.) 

In other news, this will be Mrs Dear Leader and my 12th annual Solstice S'mores party - and almost certainly the last as well. Why that is will soon become clear. 

This should be the 13th annual event but to my memory we missed a year. No, not the covid year - as you will see - but 2022, the only year that was cancelled and embarrassingly it was due to weather. 

It was just a blizzard and to this day I feel bad about it especially since my daughter Michelle had flown in for it on her first ever trip to MN. 

In my defense, I didn't think my NY daughter would get the full Solstice S'more effect with just her and I standing all alone out in a blinding snow storm with a pitiful fire - so I took her to the Minnehaha "Glacier" instead. 

Anyway, it has been many years of great fun and camaraderie and we hope to finish strong this year! But first some background. 

This year, after a rainy early summer, we had one of the nicest summers and falls ever experienced by we long-suffering Minnesotans. Long days and short nights with whispering breezes rustling through our backyard. Idyllic days wasted on the dirty, rotten, expensive, frustrating game of golf. (Uh, sorry, please disregard that last part) now drifting aimlessly into winter. It's time once again, as we do every year, to say . . . “so what?” After a 584-million-mile trip around the sun we arrive back at this same meteorological – and metaphorical – crappy place in time as with every other year. A time of cold so penetrating that it obliterates our soul like a fair and balanced blast from Fox News. A darkness so long and endless that even a nanny state Democrat turns into a snarling, unforgiving animal.  Okay, okay sorry, as you can see I'm in somewhat of a different mood (and with good reason) for what is usually my favorite day of the year.

All that said, it is still the time of the year that has caused a hundred generations of Northern Hemispherians to bring light and laughter into this dreary time. And that has been my quest, lo these many years. 

It is that same primeval urge that brought about the Solstice S'more party. 

Important  prep for the party in full Celtic regalia

In the beginning there were lots of kids, which of course was the point. The neighborhood was crawling with 'em! 

One of these kids is now a high school senior
and the other two freshmen (precocious Rokala imps!)

The early days before fancy fence and accoutrements (you know, like plates and stuff)

Tall young lad on the left is Cody, one of  Mrs Dear                                                                   Leader's first piano students at age 8. Now a college graduate.

Hungry celebrants - and snow

Year with no snow

Our party has been a time to teach the kids the important things for the holidays - like the proper way to open a beer.

Nanook of the North, Msr. Provenzano and his daughter Lili. She sang on Mrs Dear Leader's Christmas song when she was 11.

Now a college graduate (in sneakers -                                                                                                      not a BA in cold weather clothing, I presume)                                                                            Nanook's younger kids are in college now too

Snow

Another daughter, Whitburt, sharing secrets about Dear Leader with neighbors - over cocktails (she's now out of the will.)

Little snow

And yet another daughter, Missy, with her good friend Anne and her "nephew." Sorry, Grant, you're a little too young for beer lessons but just right for S'mores!

                                      

                           

                                                                                                              

Dumpster fire candle, a gift from a neighbor in honor of a crappy year - (I'm assuming not for the solstice party.)

The ever-thoughtful Mrs Dear Leader even made individual packets of S'more ingredients for 2020 celebration (masks not included.)

Instead of offering my usual amusing tale about the solstice itself or confirming that winter will indeed end, I will take a more practical approach and provide advice on how to add some joy to these long months of gloom and frigid boredom.

Up to now, as far as I can tell, there are only two ways to get through our shared misery. First, (and this is one that I subscribe to) is to drink heavily. After all, with darkness coming so early shouldn’t we therefore take advantage of the early happy hour it provides? Everyday? Of course! (Many people I know got very good at this during the covid lockdown.) 

The other major distraction from our pain has been to embrace the cold! Enjoy the outdoors! Go skiing and skating and . . . whatever else weirdos do during the winter. (I leave this option to those of you who are more courageous than smart.) 

Read on for another solution to the winter conundrum.

A great crowd but natives getting restless from lack of s'mores, booze and/or snow.

Year with snow 

 

Neighbors exchange brilliant repartee. Well okay, Mrs Nanook repartee's the heck out of Msr. Edevold over cocktails. (Both their kids were twerps's for first parties, all now flown the coop.) 

Blaser family smiling (the laugh is on them though - they haven't seen their bill yet.)

Now here is that other option to help us when we feel like breaking into tears every time we crank up the furnace or pull on heavy coats or fall on our ass climbing over giant snow banks. It also has the benefit of saving money, time and argument about placement of the star - 

Create your very own Solstice "Tree"! 

I can't take all the credit for this idea. (Okay, I can't take any credit for it - but I did carry the sled up from the garage.) It's a little awkward for presents but it has the extra bonus of not dropping needles, need watering or being a target for small pets. Also, unlike those fake trees (and if you have one, I certainly hope it's not one those stupid flocked ones!) it doesn't need assembly. AND you can leave it up until winter is over - you know, til about mid-June. If you don't have a sled, shirley, you can find some other symbol of our beloved winter to turn into such a magnificent yule sight. An old snow blower perhaps? A shovel with Yak Trax hanging from it? Rockin' around it is optional. (For those too young - or musically impaired - a head nod to a  famous Christmas song from when Dear Leader was 10 yrs old - Rockin' Around the Solstice Tree    Brenda Lee   -  Brenda was 14 then and like me she is still kickin'!)

Warning - gratuitous memory!

Something else from the '50s - Christmas card holder my grandpa made for our family back then. Sadly, we don't send/receive many cards anymore. (More sadly, none of his imagination and craftsmanship was passed down to me.)

Despite odd outfit, no snow

Apparently that year Michael Myers visits our little soiree. For those who have lived in a cave (like a certain friend in Las Vegas) that is another cultural reference, this to the horror movie, "Halloween." Thanks for scaring the kids, Mark.

Perhaps you are beginning to see why I have little left to say about this, my most favorite day of the year. As Thomas Wolf wrote, "You can never go home again" and he was right, you can't. It's the same with this. There is no recapturing a moment in time; there's no going back. Kids grow up, we get old(er) and the world changes. But while we (okay, I) may feel a little melancholy about the constant change and a sense of loss of what was, there is also hope. 

Watching our kids grow up and becoming productive young (or not so young!) adults is not unlike why I love the winter solstice. Just as it reminds us that light and hope always returns, they bring that same hope for the world - with the added benefit they will almost certainly treat it better than we have. 

Besides, some wonderful young parents - and ensuing kids - have moved into the neighborhood just waiting for the next solstice warrior!

Hey . . . 

. . . Sit somniantes somnia*

(Yeah, some Latin for you pagans)

Good news! By the time our happy revelers gather for our festive party on Sat. the earth will have turned that celestial corner and starting its long journey back to the Tropic of Cancer - and our long summer days.

Now, in those immortal words of Porky Pig, "Th, th, that's all folks!" From the hearty souls of the Thomas Avenue Winter Survivor club to you, a hearty happy holidays. (Now let's go inside and warm the hell up!)

And from Mrs Dear Leader - and Me - Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas and have a Great New Year!

The host and hostess (and Princess Prudie) of the premier holiday event of Bryn Mawr

* "Let dreamers dream"

D Roger Pederson, Winter Warrior (Retired)                                                                                (And you'll miss me when I'm gone)

A potpourri of holiday music just for you. . .

Handel's Messiah    Sydney Orchestra and Choir (Possibly the most magnificent oratorio ever written)

Little Drummer Boy    Mannheim Steamroller

Wonderful Christmas Time   Paul McCartney

Little St Nick   Beach Boys

In Dulci Jubilo   James Galway (Listen to as much as you like)

Christmas in Killarney    Bing Crosby